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Somerset County approves ATV access for portion of Hancock Pond Road in Lexington Township
Summary
After a public hearing with multiple town residents in support, the Somerset County Commission voted to allow ATV access on the county portion of Hancock Pond Road in Lexington Township; commissioners asked staff to document the decision and notify the sheriff.
Somerset County commissioners voted to approve resolution 26 1 32 allowing ATV access to the county‑maintained section of Hancock Pond Road in Lexington Township after a public hearing that drew several residents in favor.
At the hearing, George Arab, who submitted the original letter to the commission, described the segment as an approximately 1.5‑mile, largely unimproved gravel road that is bordered by Emden on both sides and is not plowed in winter. Arab said only one household—Courtney and Johnny Rogashoff—lives year‑round on that stretch and that they and other families use UTVs and ATVs to reach camps and maintain properties. "I personally happen to maintain the Knowles Family Cemetery," Arab said, describing his need to use a UTV to transport maintenance equipment across the site.
The board heard additional affirmative testimony from landowners who said they use ATVs for property maintenance and recreation. Commissioners asked questions about safety at sharp turns and sight lines; Arab responded that while some sections are steep—nicknamed "Tobacco Hill"—most sight lines and road width were adequate for cautious riding.
One commissioner voiced a reservation about precedent: while supportive of recreational access, they cautioned against setting a blanket policy that would encourage similar requests for other ponds and lakes in Somerset County. The commissioner said future requests should be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.
After closing public comment, the board moved to act on resolution 26 1 32. The chair confirmed the motion, a vote was taken and the resolution passed. Commissioners and staff said the action will be recorded in the minutes and that county administrators will coordinate notification to the sheriff's office so law enforcement and game wardens are aware of the change.
The decision takes effect as recorded in the county minutes; staff said the approval will be included in written minutes available after processing and dissemination.
